Environmental impact of electoral campaigns waste in Ecuador: advertising banners case

Abstract

  Deficient management of the solid waste is an imminent threat for environmental and human health. Within this category, it can be found plastic banners used for political promotion during electoral campaigns. Nowadays, in Ecuador there is no legislation regarding the regulation this kind of waste. Therefore, the intention of the present investigation is to propose a plan of management for the electoral banners. In consequence, it was identified that the last electoral period generated approximately 31,2 tons of this material, which its final destination is not known. A brief description of the environmental impacts that this product can cause if it is not attended with the importance that it needs by the authorities is mentioned. And finally, there is a proposal of the applicable strategies that can help mitigating those impacts.